Iraq PM warns on inaction in fight against terrorism

Baghdad, Aug 2 (IANS) Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has warned the world not to relax in fighting terrorism of the Islamic State (IS) group and the tracking of its terrorists.

He added on Tuesday that Iraq has suggested a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to pursue terrorism, Xinhua news agency reported.

Abadi said at a press conference after his weekly cabinet meeting that the draft resolution is aimed to prosecute terrorism and those associated and collaborated with the IS group, because “the terrorists will return to other areas in a new cover”.

Abadi also said that it is necessary to pursue sources of recruitment and funding of the IS.

Abadi’s comments came after he officially declared Mosul’s liberation on July 10 from IS after nearly nine months of fierce fighting to dislodge the extremist militants from their last major stronghold in Iraq.

As for the upcoming offensive to liberate the IS-held town of Tal Afar, some 70 km west of Mosul, Abadi said “there are regular airstrikes targeting IS militants in preparation to liberate the areas under control of IS group, including Tal Afar.”

The offensive to free Tal Afar will be launched soon with the participation of all kinds of security forces, including the predominantly Shiite paramilitary Hashd Shaabi units and Sunni tribal fighters, according to Abadi.